Talk the Talk: My Go-To Keys for Structured Organizing Conversations and Communications with Angela Drew Kimelman
Whether it’s setting the stage with a solid structure, keeping things clear and punchy, or reading the room like a pro — these are the tools I use to turn my PowerPoint slides into stories and ideas into impact.
Communicating through an organizing lens is much like sales. You are “selling” the union life and the benefits a union could bring into someone’s life.
It’s all about connection, flow, and a little flair to keep the workers tuned in and turned up to what you are sharing. You want to make an impact so workers can stand in their own power and share alongside you.
Member-to-Member Conversations are the Solution to Enshittification with Ethan Clarke
Facebook is a ghost town, Twitter is a neo-facist hellscape, email doesn’t get the response it once did, and if you send text messages to members, they swear at you. How are we supposed to get the word out in this new digital age? It’s time to build our capacity to communicate with members… and build the union’s strength!
This interactive workshop will explore what a member-to-member communication network can look like and how to build one for your union, using real-world examples from the postal workers, the Ontario education workers, and Starbucks United.
Digitally Different: Using Alternative Communication Tools in a Toxic Digital World with Jason Alward
In an ever increasing landscape where content is king and certain actors control our digital data and tools, we look at how we got here and how we can think differently when it comes to what we use to communicate.
Introduction to Interviewing Techniques with Rhea Rollman
Interviewing skills are vital for both reporters and labour activists. Whether you’re a journalist covering a story or a shop steward preparing to file a grievance, the effectiveness of your work will hinge heavily on your ability to conduct meaningful and substantive interviews. But what does that mean and how do you go about it? This workshop offers an introduction to interviewing techniques, exploring not just the mechanics of the process but also how to conduct respectful, sensitive and trauma-informed interviews.
Running Engaging Online Meetings & Webinars with Carl Mavromichalis
Learn how to effectively run online meetings and webinars for any group size, from small locals to large sectors. Whether you’re planning a lunch-and-learn, seminar, or AGM, this workshop will teach you how to set up and manage remote meetings with ease—from the comfort of your own couch. Gain practical tips on organizing, hosting, and increasing member engagement in virtual spaces, ensuring your online meetings are just as impactful as in-person ones.
Lobbying Tips from a Pro with Michele Girash
Lobbying? Isn’t that the shady practice of greedy corporations and self-interested ladder climbers? Or is it the essential part of a successful campaign and communications strategy focused on making change at the political level? Spend some time discussing what is – and what isn’t – lobbying, what the rules are, and how to do it effectively within your great communications plan.
Light, Streets and Stories: Outdoor Photography Tools to Bring Your Photos to Life with Ritche Perez
Join local photographer Ritche Perez for a casual and creative photo walk through downtown St. John’s. Discover hidden gems, iconic views, and the stories that unfold on the streets while picking up tips and insights on street photography along the way. Bring your camera and wear comfy shoes!
Punchlines with a Purpose: Stand-Up Comedy for Union Communicators with Josh Menchions
Discover how the art of stand-up comedy can sharpen your communication skills and captivate an audience. In this fun and interactive workshop, delegates will explore timing, joke structure, constructing your set, and storytelling—tools that can translate directly into more dynamic speeches, videos, and campaigns. This session will help you find your voice, own the stage, and maybe even land a few laughs while you’re at it.
The Ins and Outs of Podcasting with Nora Loreto
Always wanted to start a podcast but never knew how to do it? Or does your union have a podcast but the sound quality is yeeessshh and the topics are a bit yaaarrg? In this workshop, Nora Loreto will go through both the technical and content sides of podcasting — from how to make your sound sound as good as possible, to how to map out a season of episodes — all for as little money as possible.
Memes of Production with Alexander Delorme
What are memes? They are more than funny cat pictures; they are the modern mechanisms by which we spread and strengthen ideas and beliefs. Join this workshop to learn how you can use memes to build solidarity in your union.
Photography Workflow and Digital Asset Management (DAM) with Chris Noto
Dam! You’ve just shot 1,000 photos at an event, now what? This workshop will go over the steps of reviewing, selecting, and organizing your images efficiently. Learn how to quickly identify the best shots for immediate use on social media, while archiving the rest for future projects like magazines or advertising campaigns. We’ll focus on using Adobe Bridge for importing and culling, but the concepts can be applied to Adobe Lightroom or similar software. We’ll also cover ideas for managing your smartphone media, so all your assets stay organized and accessible. Perfect for communications staffers who have a growing pile of photos clogging up their computers and servers.
You’ve Walked the Line, Now Learn to Cut the Line: A Hands-On Workshop in Linocut Carving for Social Change with Laura O’Brien
No budget? No problem! Join us for a hands-on crash course in linocut carving, an easy, low-cost way to make bold prints with big impact. You’ll learn to carve, ink, and press your own designs using nothing but a block, a blade, and your imagination. Got an old shirt, tote, or jacket collecting dust? Bring it! This is your chance to revive it with rebel messages and radical flair. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or a curious beginner, come get crafty, get loud, and leave your mark.
Reel Change: Mobilizing the Labour Movement with Smartphone Videography with Anna Jover
Learn the basics on how to plan, shoot, and edit powerful videos using just your smartphone. This hands-on seminar is designed for union communicators and activists who want to tell compelling stories, amplify campaigns, and connect with members online. From quick filming tips to editing tricks using CapCut, you’ll leave with practical skills to make your message stand out on social media.
Mobilize by Design: A Canva Workshop for Change-Makers with Chelsea Connor
Design eye-catching posters, social media graphics, gifs, short videos and campaign materials, no design experience needed! This hands-on session will show you how to use Canva to create professional, effective visuals that grab attention and move people to action.
Media Relations: Take Control of the Narrative with Chelsea Connor
The media won’t tell our stories unless we work with them. This workshop will show you how to pitch powerful stories, speak to journalists with confidence, and push back against corporate spin. Learn how to use the media as a tool to build power, shape public opinion, and amplify the voices of working people.
Workflow Management: Get Organized to Organize with Elizabeth Berman
Juggling multiple campaigns, comms deadlines, and member outreach? This session offers practical tools and strategies to manage your workload, collaborate effectively, and stay on top of tasks without burning out. Perfect for union staff and activists looking to bring more structure to the chaos.
Spin, Strategy, and Solidarity: Crafting Communications for Elected Leaders with Tasia Brown
Supporting elected leadership means more than drafting speeches or managing media—it’s about amplifying their voice with authenticity, strategic foresight, and political savvy. This workshop offers practical tools and behind-the-scenes insights to help you build trust, align messaging, and deliver high-impact communications that make both your union and its elected leaders stand out. From social media branding to prepping for Parliament Hill, we’ll dig into the real-world challenges – and rewards – of working closely with union leadership.
Organizing Spectacle: Revisiting the 2016 Toronto Pride Parade action by Black Lives Matter with Sandy Hudson
When Black Lives Matter stopped the Toronto Pride Parade, it set off an atomic bomb in Canada on debates about policing, safety, queer spaces and white supremacy. What Canadians saw on their screens that day was not spontaneous. It was the result of deliberate and intense organizing that culminated in a flawless action that not only looked good, but that instantly changed the way in which pride and policing was discussed in Canada. In this workshop, Sandy Hudson will talk about the behind the scenes debates and discussions that culminated in this action, and how organizers and communicators can plan to have maximum impact using style, fashion, colour and surprise.
Understanding the Right-Wing Media Ecosystem with Samanta Krishnapillai
In a recent analysis of social media influence, the far right stood out as being the most connected and networked group online. What does this mean for political discourse and how can we resist the influence that these groups have? In this workshop, Samanta Krishnapillai will explain these trends and show tools that you can use to create more space online for leftwing analysis.
Lessons from the Line with Lou Arab
When CUPE education workers in Alberta took a stand, their message was clear and powerful. This session breaks down the communications strategy behind the CUPE strike: how they built public support, mobilized members, and challenged the government narrative through the media. Learn what worked and what can be applied to your next campaign.
Microsites, Major Impact: Thinking Beyond Your Main Website with Teuila Mau
Your union’s main website is important but it doesn’t need to do all the heavy lifting. In this workshop, we’ll explore purpose-driven landing pages and mini-sites that support your campaigns, events, and organizing efforts. Whether it’s a one-stop-shop for a strike, a convention website, or even an in-depth learning hub, you’ll learn all about effective digital spaces that rally support and deliver key information. No tech degree required—just bring your campaign goals and your creativity!
Clinics
Back by popular demand! Delegates will be able to sign up for a 15 minute 1:1 appointment with communications experts. This time will allow you to trouble shoot a specific problem, get advise, or learn from their general expertise.